Article 725: Safety, Preventing Fires and Circuits 

Before, Article 725 was like a big electrical party, inviting all types of circuits. But now, the title gives it away: it's solely about Class 2 and Class 3 Power-Limited Circuits. Wondering where Class 1 and those remote control circuits went? They've moved next door to Article 724.

The big concern? Stopping fires from spreading. Think of firewalls like the bouncers of a club – they keep the unwanted (fire in this case) out. But if there's an open door (or a poorly sealed cable), fire can sneak in. That's why there's now a clear rule: circuits in hollow spaces, shafts, and ducts need to be installed to keep fires from spreading. Any holes around these electrical spots need to be sealed up tight!  Section 725.3(A) Installation of Class 2 and Class 3, states that circuits shall comply with Section 300.21, which says: 

Electrical installations in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handling ducts shall be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Openings around electrical penetrations into or through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings shall be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating.  
 

Section 725.3(A) requires that Class 2 and Class 3
circuits be sealed to limit the spread of fire and smoke.

The 2023 NEC - What's Changed?

2020 NEC 

In the 2020 NEC, the requirements for Class 1,2, and 3 and remote-control and signaling circuits were placed in one article together. The title reflected this; “Article 725 Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote-Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits.” 

2023 NEC 

In the 2023 NEC, the title of the article clears it up: Article 725 Class 2 and Class 3 Power-Limited Circuits”. 

725.3(A)(A) Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion.  
Installation of Class 2 and Class 3 circuits shall comply with 300.21. 

The 2023 Code in Action

For the pros, this might not change their day-to-day work much. But the new layout? It’s like a breath of fresh air, making it easier to find what you need. The hope? Safer buildings and fewer headaches when looking up rules. 

The 2023 NEC changes are all about keeping things clear and safe. As we plug into the future, staying updated with these tweaks is key. After all, a safer building is a happier building! 

Sample Video Script 

[Opening shot of a bright room with a large blueprint of a building on a table. There’s an NEC book beside it.] 

Scott: "Let's dive in and decode what's changed with Article 725!" 

[Cut to animated graphics of Class 1, 2, and 3 circuits bouncing around.] 

Scott: "In the past, Article 725 was quite the mix. Now? It's streamlined, focusing just on Class 2 and Class 3 Power-Limited Circuits." 

[Animation shifts, showing Class 1 circuits and remote controls moving towards a sign labeled 'Article 724'.] 

Scott: "Wondering about Class 1 and those remote controls? They've settled into their own space at Article 724." 

[Switch to animation of a small flame spreading rapidly across a wire.] 

Scott: "A major focus? Fire safety. We've got to keep those fires from spreading." 

[Zoom into a cartoon firewall flexing its muscles, blocking flames.] 

Scott: "Think of our trusty firewalls as bouncers, keeping unwanted fires away." 

[Cut to a cable with tiny animated flames approaching it. A sealant closes off the cable's gaps.] 

Scott: "And for those pesky areas like hollow spaces and shafts, it’s crucial to seal things up tight." 

[Side-by-side comparison of a busy 2020 NEC page and a neat 2023 NEC page.] 

Scott: "Now, what’s shifted between 2020 and 2023? The new NEC has cleaned things up, making rules easier to find." 

[Animation of an electrician, thumbing through the NEC book and then giving a thumbs up.] 

Scott: "For our electrical pros, this might just be another day at the office. But the clear layout? Definitely a game-changer." 

[Cut to a building lighting up room by room.] 

Scott: "The big picture? These changes are paving the way for safer, brighter buildings." 

[Zoom out, showing the bright building in a bustling city.] 

Scott (with a friendly wave): "As we power into the future, staying updated is key. So, keep plugging in, and stay safe out there!" 

[End with a logo of NEC and text: "2023 NEC - Powering a safer future."]